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Weeknight Spaghetti

Weeknight Spaghetti
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Weeknight Spaghetti is a quick, simple, and comforting pasta dish crafted from pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Ready in under 30 minutes, this flavorful and versatile recipe delivers a satisfying meal perfect for busy evenings, easily customizable with veggies, proteins, or alternative cheeses.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 8 oz spaghetti noodles (or gluten-free pasta)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving one cup of pasta water for later use.
  2. Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 1 minute or until fragrant, ensuring the garlic doesn’t brown.
  3. Prepare the Sauce: Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and let the sauce simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes to blend the flavors and thicken slightly.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the sauce. Slowly add reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
  5. Finish with Fresh Herbs and Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the fresh basil leaves, then sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • Cook pasta al dente to maintain firm texture and avoid sogginess.
  • Reserve pasta water to help loosen the sauce without diluting flavors.
  • Sauté garlic gently in olive oil to release maximum aroma and flavor without burning.
  • Use fresh basil to add brightness and freshness to the final dish.
  • Season gradually with salt to avoid over-seasoning.

Nutrition

Keywords: spaghetti, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, weeknight meal, vegetarian pasta, gluten-free pasta option

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/weeknight-spaghetti/